Price/value for spring/summer clothes

Rambling Ann

I'm feeling pretty awesome these days about my fall/winter choices, and I want to keep it going. Spring/summer has always been harder for me, and in reflection, part of it is that I just don't feel like I'm getting the same value for my dollar as I do with the heavier fabrics and construction details (linings for example) of fall. Even a plain cotton turtleneck lasts me much longer than a short sleeve tee.

In the past, I just didn't spend the money and it showed. Warm weather is not our dominant season so I just muddled through. But I am going to buff up at least some essentials this year, even if I'm not feeling the love for the retailers. Am I the only one who feels this way?

9 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Thistle

Staysfit

Veteran

With some of my clothes I agree. Tee's and shorts, etc. However, I love to wear nice dresses in the summer, and my love of great shoes never stops and I think my collection of expensive shoes is bigger for Spring/Summer than Fall/Winter just because there are so many great options in terms of style and color. So, I definitely have high quality in dresses and shoes.

9 years ago

Peri

Veteran

Not at all. I constantly struggle with finding hot weather clothes I like, and hot is my dominant season. I need to move.

I agree, they don't seem worth the money. But when I do find something I like I consider it such an amazing event that I go ahead and pay what I have to.

9 years ago

Summer

Veteran

That's an interesting thought. I can't say I've ever thought about it that way, but I see what you mean about heavier fabrics and linings. By their very nature, summer clothes are skimpier and more lightweight.
Maybe you can concentrate on finding better quality summer fabrics, such as heavier cotton and cotton/modal blend tees. They tend to look more refined and keep their shape better. I'm sure you will use your knowledge from your winter buying success to put some good outfits together.

9 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Oh no, you have company: me (!) I started to revamp my spring/summer last year - without much success. Just a couple of dresses. My classic thing was full skirted sundresses, '50s style, and tunics and leggings. No good for the office and not really my style. I'm thinking about it again, but I lack vision.

The roller-coaster weather doesn't help either.

9 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Summer wear tends to have a shorter lifespan in my closet simply because of more perspiration/ washings. That's okay; I figure it is a bit like knits in the winter. Some wear surprisingly well, and others, not so much. It's a risk you take.

I think you do "get what you pay for" in design integrity, even if a garment doesn't have a lining, etc. And finishing is just as important.

Hmm. It just occurred to me that I wear a lot more knits in winter than summer. I tend to prefer crisper fabrics in summer and those wear harder as a rule.

In other words, I don't really wear cotton tees. I do, however, wear some linen tees, and these seem to last pretty well for me.

9 years ago

kkards

Veteran

my spring/summer wardrobe is a high/low mixture. things like weekend/casual tees and shorts i buy from target, loft etc. but work wear knits, pants and toppers i'm still willing to spend a little more. and shoes, when i'm going to wearing no sock---i want comfort and breathable, so my spring/summer shoes i'm willing to pay for.

9 years ago

Jules

Veteran

Yup! Agree with both you and Suz: summer clothes are both flimsier and require more washing. For me it's both perspiration and city grime; winter coats and boots act as a protective layer that keeps things cleaner. There's also the fact that I might go 9 or 10 months without wearing true summer clothing. Both my body and my tastes can change significantly in that time span.
So, I've decided to just go with it. I buy less, at lower quality and price points, and wear it very often (weekly if not more for basics such as tees). I don't put too much thought into purchases or alterations because I have found it does not often pan out to be worth it. If I hit on an outfit I like, I might even wear it twice weekly to different venues. For my lifestyle, the only item I need to be thoughtful about it is comfortable, attractive heeled sandals I can walk all day in - because these can be hard to find for my particular feet issues. Oh, and it does help not to wait until July to shop for hot weather items

9 years ago

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

What Jules said, buy less but better. Now that I have a good handle on how few city clothes I need, it's easier to feel ok about spending a bit more for quality essentials. Dresses aren't really part of my wardrobe, but I can see how they might meet a higher quality threshold.

Most days here at the ranch, I wear gear. And maybe another reason why I hesitate about the money is a direct comparison of how long gear lasts compared to my city clothes that get worn 10-20% of the time. ALL of the tees I bought when I first joined YLF for spring 2013 have been demoted to mucking out/gym clothes. Most of the purpose-made gear I buy lasts much longer, even in lightweight summer versions, even with the wear and tear. Part of it is fabric choice, but part of it is construction quality. So some of my resistance is to industry setting low consumer expectations in the fast fashion world, and that consumerism mindset sets my teeth on edge. I like to look trim, but I dislike excessive waste even more.

Shoes are the one exception, I find. The price/value point on those doesn't seem to change as much seasonally. Except flip-flops, and those ought not be worn out of the shower or off the shore anyway.

9 years ago

Veteran

Woven blouses & dresses last a lot longer for me in the heat than knits, for what that's worth. Especially ones with breezier cuts, so they don't get as sweaty. I love silk/cotton and cotton/linen blends for summer, as well as cotton lawns and voile; to me the comfort and feel of these lighter fabrics is worth the cost. But I used to live in a very summer dominant place; I'm not sure how I'll feel about summer dressing now that I'm in upstate NY!

9 years ago

Anonymous

It took me far too many years to realize that I had a bigger summer wardrobe than I did a winter one, and it should be the reverse. But I took the correction process too far in the past say, 2 years, and now have little to wear for work in the summer months. I don't mind spending on good pieces, but don't really find pieces I think reflect the way I want to look at my age. It's going to be an interesting season!

9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Certainly is harder to find items for summer. I'm lucky in a way since work is air-conditioned and so I can wear tropical wools for bottoms, though I try to have some washable cotton blend pants or blends that I'll dry clean more often and not worry about wear and tear. I don't wear tucked or untucked cotton button-downs so that eliminates a category of washable tops. I look for more substantial cotton or linen knits and some silk fluid tops, and rayon blends.

I agree with the poster who said, make do with fewer items. I have been getting more focused on a more limited spring-summer capsule of outfits I really like and plan to avoid grabbing up a bunch of random items just to have more variety. Also find more ways to use transitional -weight items (again, the frigid A/C allows for that--the commute home can be hot, but inside it's all the same). When I can I like to use summer jewelry in different colors or materials to liven up a plain rayon or linen top--takes up less space.

9 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I agree with you! Spring/Summer clothes are lucky to see 4 months of wear, so i tend to spend less.

However, this is the one time of year I can wear skirts and dresses. So, I have splurged more there. I also find silk and silk blends are pricier, but very lovely, and the feel of them against my skin makes the price worth it to me. I have also found not all cotton is the same. Some holds up better, including keeping its color, so another worthwhile splurge

I want to like linen, but i have yet to make peace with the crease.

9 years ago

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